drug and alcohol treatment in florida

Seacrest Recovery Center

Meet The Staff Of Seacrest Recovery Center

Seacrest Recovery Center has a staff that is second to none. When we launched this program, we knew that it would come down to having the right people within our organization. We have specifically chosen each member of our team to make the biggest impact on your loved one. In addition to the highest quality education, the two characteristics we look for in our team are care and compassion. These are the people we would send our own family members too.

Executive Team

Josh Fenster

Co-Founder & CEO

Josh Fenster

Our Co-Founder and CEO has over 11 years in recovery. Josh works a very strong program of recovery, which many of the clients look up to and respect. He is looked up to in the community of what living as a sober and honest man in recovery can do to change your life.

After getting sober in 2007, he went back to his career in the mortgage industry. In 2014 he decided that he wanted to do something with his life that was fulfilling - something that he could give back and help others struggling the addiction issues that he personally struggled with himself.

He began with Seacrest Sober Living offering safe and sober, FARR accredited housing. After a year of running his sober living and seeing a lot of issues arise in the South Florida substance abuse treatment industry, he decided he wanted to open an Outpatient Facility. Being a third generation Floridian, he wanted to help change the way his state was looked at and make a positive change to the industry.

Josh enjoys spending time with his wife Lindsay, his family and friends. He looks forward to the arrival of his first child in December 2018.

Jared Pruzan

Co-Founder & CFO

Jared Pruzan

Jared Pruzan is the Chief Financial Officer and Co-Founder of Seacrest Recovery Center. Mr. Pruzan graduated from Florida Atlantic University. He has been with the company since its inception in 2015 and is responsible for overall performance of the company, oversight of mergers and acquisitions, financial structuring and analysis, accounting, human resources, risk management relations and legal departments. Prior to opening Seacrest Recovery Center, Mr. Pruzan was Vice President and Co-Founder of Summit Capital Lending. Inc. and holds financial licenses in numerous states.

Mr. Pruzan has been personally affected by the disease of addiction which enhanced his desire to help people reach their goals of long-term recovery. Mr. Pruzan is passionate about how Seacrest Recovery Center positively impacts the lives of their patients.

Rachel Needle, Psy. D

Chief Clinical Officer

Dr. Rachel Needle

Dr. Rachel Needle received her M.S. and Psy.D. in clinical psychology from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She received her B.A. in psychology from Barnard College, Columbia University. Dr. Needle completed an internship in clinical psychology at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey: Robert Wood Medical School in Piscataway, New Jersey. Dr. Needle is a Licensed Psychologist and Certified Sex Therapist in private practice at the Center for Marital and Sexual Health of South Florida. She is also the founder and executive director of the Whole Health Psychological Center a comprehensive psychological practice with therapists with a broad range of specialty areas. Dr. Needle is the Clinical Director at Seacrest Recovery Center in Boynton Beach, Florida.

Dr. Needle is an Adjunct Professor of Psychology in the Department of Behavioral Sciences, in the Masters in Forensic Psychology, and in the Doctorate in Criminal Justice programs at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is the founder and CEO of the Advanced Mental Health Training Institute, which provides continuing education to Florida mental health professionals and Psychologists, as well to sex therapists across the world.

Dr. Needle has specialized training in the area of substance abuse. She is a professional consultant to substance abuse facilities and assists them in expanding and enhancing clinical programming. Dr. Needle also does expert trainings for staff members at residential and outpatient facilities that specialize in alcohol and substance abuse.

Dr. Needle’s clinical and research interests include alcohol and substance abuse including the impact of substance abuse on relationships and the family, sexual function and dysfunction, relationship concerns, sexual compulsivity, battered women, and trauma. Dr. Needle has presented her research and clinical work at national and international conferences. She has been quoted in a number of newspapers and popular magazines on issues related to mental health, substance use, and sexuality.

Nick Spinelli

Chief Marketing Officer

Nick Spinelli

Nick Spinelli was born and raised in Monmouth County, New Jersey. He graduated from Marlboro High School and attended Brookdale Community College. For four years, Mr. Spinelli has been working in the substance abuse field helping addicts and alcoholics in need. Nick battled his own addiction for over 9 years. By following a few suggestions he was able find a new way of life and continues live life free from alcohol and drugs.

After losing so many friends close to him due to the disease of addiction and almost his own, Nick was fortunate to have a chance at a better life. From the day he got sober, his passion and drive was to help addicts and alcoholics achieve long term sobriety. His own experience has been a major tool in helping people in need find hope to a better life. Nick believes in the process In which changed his life. His compassion and understanding continues to drive him daily through the drug epidemic we are faced with in our country.

Jared Silver

Chief Operating Officer

Jared Silver

Jared Silver is a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee (CASAC-T). He is also a Certified ARISE Interventionist Intern (CAI). He attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and has been working in the substance abuse field for the last 8 years. During this time, Jared found his own sobriety and ultimately ran a non-profit that provided free substance abuse and alcoholism treatment to those in need. Jared has a breadth of knowledge that he brings to Seacrest Recovery Center including client and community relationships, group facilitation, housing management and community service. Through Jared’s own experiences, he learned that that the road to recovery is difficult but not impossible. He truly understands what it takes. Jared and the entire Seacrest Recovery Center family pride themselves on providing you with the resources and individualized attention necessary to successfully find and maintain sobriety and become the best version of yourself.

Clinical Team

Rachel Needle, Psy. D

Clinical Director

Dr. Rachel Needle

Dr. Rachel Needle received her M.S. and Psy.D. in clinical psychology from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She received her B.A. in psychology from Barnard College, Columbia University. Dr. Needle completed an internship in clinical psychology at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey: Robert Wood Medical School in Piscataway, New Jersey. Dr. Needle is a Licensed Psychologist and Certified Sex Therapist in private practice at the Center for Marital and Sexual Health of South Florida. She is also the founder and executive director of the Whole Health Psychological Center a comprehensive psychological practice with therapists with a broad range of specialty areas. Dr. Needle is the Clinical Director at Seacrest Recovery Center in Boynton Beach, Florida.

Dr. Needle is an Adjunct Professor of Psychology in the Department of Behavioral Sciences, in the Masters in Forensic Psychology, and in the Doctorate in Criminal Justice programs at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is the founder and CEO of the Advanced Mental Health Training Institute, which provides continuing education to Florida mental health professionals and Psychologists, as well to sex therapists across the world.

Dr. Needle has specialized training in the area of substance abuse. She is a professional consultant to substance abuse facilities and assists them in expanding and enhancing clinical programming. Dr. Needle also does expert trainings for staff members at residential and outpatient facilities that specialize in alcohol and substance abuse.

Dr. Needle’s clinical and research interests include alcohol and substance abuse including the impact of substance abuse on relationships and the family, sexual function and dysfunction, relationship concerns, sexual compulsivity, battered women, and trauma. Dr. Needle has presented her research and clinical work at national and international conferences. She has been quoted in a number of newspapers and popular magazines on issues related to mental health, substance use, and sexuality.

Gil Lichtschein, M.D.

Medical Director

Dr. Lichtshein (“Dr. Gil”)

Dr. Lichtshein (“Dr. Gil”), is a Fellow of The American Psychiatric Association and American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. As well as, a Diplomate American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Dr. Gil received his medical education at the University of Illinois, at Chicago College of Medicine. He completed his internship at the Medical College of Virginia and his Psychiatric residency and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship, at the University of Maryland.

Dr. Gil worked at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, in Bronx, New York as well as, Four Winds Hospital in private practice in Katonah, New York. While practicing in New York, Dr. Gil held an academic appointment of Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York.

Currently, Dr. Gil holds academic appointments at the University of Florida, College of Medicine and Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. He volunteers his time by teaching first year medical students the skills to obtain thorough clinical history and perform physical exams. Dr. Gil has extensive experience in inpatient, outpatient and partial hospitalization treatment . Dr. Gil also performs forensic evaluations in various areas of the law.

Liz Hankin, LMFT

Therapist

Liz Hankin

Liz Hankin is a Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida. Ms. Hankin is a Doctoral candidate from Alliant International University, formerly the California School of Professional Psychology, in Irvine, California. She completed her Master’s in Couples and Family Therapy at Drexel University in Philadelphia.

Over the past, 5 years, Ms. Hankin has provided individual, group and family therapy services for families affected by drug and alcohol addiction. She specializes in Solution-Focused Therapy, and has experience working with clients with co-morbid anxiety, depression and grief as well as with general therapy.

Liz Bessette, MA

Therapist

Liz Bessette

Elizabeth Bessette, M.A., CCMHC, NCC graduated with honors with her degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South University in West Palm Beach, Florida, a CACREP Accredited Program. Her approach to therapy is integrative, She works to empower the client to discover his/her own strengths and acts as a facilitator in an individual's growth and clarity. Liz is also a therapist at Whole Health Psychological in West Palm Beach, is a member of the American Counseling Association, and a board member of the nonprofit organization, Finding a Lost Voice, that provides resources for individuals struggling with substance use, mental illness, or extreme adversity. Liz has been a member of Chi Sigma Iota, an international honor society for counseling students, counselor educators, and professional counselors since 2016 and a member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists.

Liz specializes in the field of substance use disorder, but also has extensive experience in; trauma, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, life-span issues, and sexuality. She completed training on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in 2017 and is working towards completion of her certification in sex therapy. Liz believes that by meeting an individual where they are in their life, their culture, their relationship, their spirituality, and their profession she can customize the therapeutic experience to be unique and genuine. Through her drive to advocate, she is committed to assisting an individual through their therapy in a safe, accepting, and confidential atmosphere.

When she is not meeting with clients, Liz enjoys reading, being outdoors, and spending time with her pups and is passionate about advocacy and social justice.

Andrew Schoolnik, PhD

Therapist

Andrew Schoolnik Ph.D., MSW

Andrew Schoolnik has worked in the substance use disorder treatment field since 2011. He earned his Ph.D. from Barry University, and his MSW from Florida Atlantic University. Andrew provides clients with trusted support as they navigate the unpredictable challenges associated with the early days of living substance free. Throughout his career, he has worked with clients in all levels of care providing in depth individual, group, and family therapy. He is an avid Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots fan.

Bianca Spiak, LMHC

THERAPIST

Bianca Spiak, LMHC

Bianca Spiak graduated with her Bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts - at Amherst in Psychology and her Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from South University in West Palm Beach, Florida. She is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and a certified addictions professional (CAP). Bianca works with all levels of care including residential and outpatient and does group, individual, and family counseling sessions.

She utilizes an eclectic approach, meeting her clients where they are at, incorporating approaches such as cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, and motivational interviewing strategies. Bianca is passionate about working in-depth with clients to help them change in ways that will allow them to embrace a healthy and productive lifestyle.

Alexis Storonkin

Case Manager

Alexis Storonkin

Alexis Storonkin originally from New Jersey, first came to South Florida for recovery in 2010. Being in recovery herself, she understands the struggles associated with recovery and starting one’s life over. This is why Alexis is so passionate about her job. Alexis knows the importance of transitioning from being a client in treatment into a healthy, productive, honest and happy member of society. Prior to working for Seacrest Recovery Center Alexis worked as a case manager for Dr. Ken Seeley in California. She has dedicated her life to helping men and woman build a life beyond their wildest dreams and show them through her experience that it is possible. Alexis has worked in the recovery field in both Florida and California for the past five years.

Natalia Poses, MSPAS

Natalia Poses

Addison Palmore

Addison Palmore

Addison originally got sober in AA in 1986 at age 22 and has been helping others become clean and sober since that time.

He served as president and owner of a wedding dress manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer for 15 years before selling the business to a fortune 500 company in 2004.

Since selling the company Addison has become an accomplished guitarist and singer/songwriter. He has studied and practiced meditation under tutelage of an Ishaya monk. He has also written two spiritual books, " Tap In" to the no drama zone, and, "Just Be." Both books can be found on Amazon.com.

Addison became a certified life coach in 2010 and has been a group facilitator at rehab facilities since 2013, teaching meditation and providing music relaxation.

Business Development & Admissions Team

George Bullock

Director of Business Development Florida

George Bullock

George Bullock IV is originally from Brooklyn, NY. He came to Florida in 2013 to achieve what tens of thousands of other alcoholics and addicts from the north east come for- to attain long term sobriety. After his senior year at Temple University in Philadelphia, he realized no amount of family love, academic prowess, or any sort of talent he had could keep him sober. It was only a matter of time until he met his fate- death or a prolonged miserable existence. After countless attempts at treatment in New York, he finally found a solution in treatment and AA in South Florida. He adopted an incredible family of no-nonsense, compassionate and loving people who hold him accountable and always push him to be a better man. Mr. Bullock tries to do the same thing with our clients to show them there is a better life in store, if they choose the same journey. Since starting at Seacrest Recovery Center in March of 2017, he has been lucky enough to be surrounded by a team of individuals whose purpose aligns with his, which is helping those afflicted with substance use disorder find a path to a happy and fulfilling existence.

Jimmy Lewandowski

Director of Business Development Northeast

Jimmy Lewandowski

Jimmy Lewandowski was born and raised in New Jersey. He started working in the addiction treatment field 6 years ago and fell in love with watching the transformation that happens to people from when they begin their journey into recovery, until when they are ready to go back home. Jimmy got sober at the age of 17 and it’s his mission to show people that recovery is a better life, and that it can be a whole lot of fun too. He is driven to make sure that every person that needs help is given the resources they or their loved one needs. Jimmy has extensive experience working in outreach, admissions and client care in New Jersey. His believes his purpose is to help people, and families afflicted with addiction.

Chris Carbone

Chris Carbone

Chris attended Boston College before transitioning his career to the addiction recovery field. He has spent the last five years helping others in the industry.

Chris takes great pride in helping addicts and their families navigate the road towards sobriety. His client-first approach to the admissions process, leaves a lasting impression on those that he helps. Representing our program honestly, allows clients to feel comfortable and confident that they have made the right choice for their recovery.

Chris has a genuine passion for helping others and strives to leave a lasting impression on those he comes in contact with. He feels that Seacrest Recovery Center gives him the opportunity to keep the client first, while the employees are able to grow both personally and professionally.

Mary Davis

Business Development Representative

Mary Davis

Mary Davis originally hails from Atlantic County, New Jersey. She graduated from Atlantic City High School and studied Communications at ACCC. She has been working in the substance abuse field for over seven years. Upon achieving long term recovery through vital outpatient treatment and the application of the twelve steps, Ms. Davis’ true calling of helping others was revealed to her. Getting clean and sober at an extremely young age urged Ms. Davis to encourage others in her age bracket and beyond to find the freedom that she has in recovery. Ms. Davis brings to Seacrest Recovery an extensive background in Continuing Care, familial education/intervention and a compassionate approach to patient centered care. Ms. Davis is currently continuing her education at Palm Beach State College, with an ultimate goal of focusing on healthcare administration.

Operations Team

Jared Silver

Chief Operating Officer

Jared Silver

Jared Silver is a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee (CASAC-T). He is also a Certified ARISE Interventionist Intern (CAI). He attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and has been working in the substance abuse field for the last 8 years. During this time, Jared found his own sobriety and ultimately ran a non-profit that provided free substance abuse and alcoholism treatment to those in need. Jared has a breadth of knowledge that he brings to Seacrest Recovery Center including client and community relationships, group facilitation, housing management and community service. Through Jared’s own experiences, he learned that that the road to recovery is difficult but not impossible. He truly understands what it takes. Jared and the entire Seacrest Recovery Center family pride themselves on providing you with the resources and individualized attention necessary to successfully find and maintain sobriety and become the best version of yourself.

Marktel Henderson

Lead BHT

Marktel Henderson

Marktel Henderson grew up in Brookhaven, Mississippi. Came to Florida to get sober in 2015. Through working in the recovery field, as well as a rigorous 12 step program, he was able to achieve his goal of long term sobriety. He has been able to touch and help countless people’s lives during his time in recovery, and has a true passion for helping people to also achieve their goal of sobriety. Marktel Has an unrivaled ability to create a feeling of family everywhere he goes, and it reflects directly in his work.

Emily Kelleher

Lead Female BHT

Emily Kelleher

Emily Kelleher is from Waterbury, CT she currently has 2 years clean and sober, she attended the University of New Haven where she studied Psychology. After college she decided it was a good time to take her life back from the disease of addiction, so she took action and came to South Florida where through a practical treatment program and 12 step meetings she has been able to achieve long term sobriety. She prides herself on her ability to communicate with others and help our patients through their everyday struggles. By applying the principals she has learned through her journey of recovery she is now able to help other men and women to achieve their goal of recovery.

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About Us

Seacrest Recovery Center is a licensed DCF and Joint Commission Accredited substance abuse treatment center. We utilize both traditional and holistic therapies and are comprehensive in our approach. By developing a individualized treatment plan for each of our clients, we are able to create a therapeutic environment that fosters physical, emotional, and spiritual growth and well being.